Aside from its attachment to Robert Burns and whisky, Ayrshire is the dwelling place for three of the world's most treasured links courses: Prestwick Golf Club, Royal Troon and Turnberry. Saying that, the mix of parkland, heathland and moorland courses allows for a rich variety of golfing treasures to be experienced.
In 2017, Dundonald Links hosted the Scottish Open tournament for the first time since 1936. Situated near Irvine, the links were opened in 2005 and designed by Kyle Phillips, making it a fantastic modern links. Additionally, it has hosted other high-profile events, including the Ladies Scottish Open in 2015 and 2016, as well as the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy and the first stage of European Tour Qualifying School.
Not far from the challenging Dundonald links lies the Glasgow Gailes, the ninth oldest golf club in the world. It was initially designed by Willie Fernie and then reworked by Willie Park Jnr in 1912, and has been described by the great golf writer, Bernard Darwin, as having ‘wonderfully green and velvety’ greens. Next door is the Western Gailes course, which has a terrific variety of holes which should test every club in your bag.
Off the Ayrshire coast, you'll find the Isle of Arran. The island boasts seven outstanding courses and stunning scenery all reachable by ferry only an hour from Ardrossan. These courses include Shiskine, a course regularly listed in the UK’s top 100 courses and features holes seated at the base of Drumadoon Cliffs and sporting a view over Kilbrannan Sound. As well as this only a short journey from the ferry terminal by car you can find the Brodick, a beautifully maintained course. Whiting Bay, Corrie, Lamlash, Machrie Bay and Lochranza complete the seven courses available.
Aside from the likes of Royal Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry, green fees in the south west are comparatively cheap. Prices for accommodation aren't too far off the mark either, and because the region boasts several popular golfing towns, typical golfers' lodgings are easy to come by.
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